Chapter 3
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The demon's ferocious hand, poised to strike Subaru, froze. In the demon's excited expression and the children's terrified faces, the attack stopped completely. It halted two centimeters from Subaru's face, utterly unable to move forward.
The demon thought it had hit its target, its triumphant smile frozen in place. The next second, severe pain erupted from its abdomen, shattering that excitement. A kick containing terrifying force sent the demon flying backward.
The powerful impact even penetrated its stomach, causing a visible bulge to form on its back. "Guhk...!" It spat a large mouthful of black demon blood. The demon flew back several times faster than it had charged.
It smashed into a small earthen mound nearby, raising a cloud of dust. "How... How is this possible?" It never imagined such a small body could contain such strength.
And this guy—why didn't he move at all when it touched him? While the demon was confused, Subaru looked at it with mild exasperation.
After being kicked by Subaru, it just lay on the ground for a moment before getting up. It was full of energy, as if never injured. "Tsk. Seems I need to find a way to get a Nichirin Blade later."
"I can't just drag out every fight until dawn," Subaru muttered. "That's too tiresome." But for now, he had no other choice. He'd have to inconvenience this demon and beat it until sunrise.
Subaru rubbed his hands together, walking toward the Demon with a deceptively kind smile. The Demon retreated in fear. "You... what do you want to do? You can't kill me without a Nichirin Blade!"
The last sentence seemed directed at Subaru, but also at itself. "It's fine, it'll be over soon. Just endure it," Subaru said calmly.
He walked right up to it. Without any fanfare, he jumped up and punched it squarely in the head. The powerful force made its head spin. Subaru seized the opportunity.
He grabbed its head, jumped onto its shoulders, and used both hands simultaneously. Gritting his teeth, he pulled back with all his might, wrenching its head clean off. He stomped the disembodied head firmly into the ground.
Subaru then settled in to wait for the sun. During this time, if the body tried to move, he'd simply kick it back down. There was less than an hour until dawn. A figure hurriedly approached from the distance.
It was a petite silhouette. A butterfly pattern was embroidered on her haori, and a butterfly-shaped hair ornament adorned her head. She ran while muttering to herself. "Damn it, am I too late?"
It wasn't until she reached Subaru that she froze in shock. Her mission target—a demon—was being stepped on by a boy. Two children stood safely beside him.
Shinobu Kocho spoke tentatively. "Did you... subdue this demon?" The uncertainty in her tone betrayed her astonishment. "Yes. And you are?" Subaru felt the person looked familiar.
The butterfly hairpin and patterned haori clicked in his memory. Was this Shinobu Kocho or Kanae Kocho? Given her height, it was likely Shinobu from the original story. Hearing his question, Shinobu remembered she hadn't introduced herself.
She extended a hand. "Hello. I am Shinobu Kocho, of the Demon Slayer Corps. I was dispatched to eliminate this demon." Subaru shook her hand, feigning surprise and confusion.
"Hello. I'm Subaru Natsuki. The Demon Slayer Corps? What kind of organization is that?" "We are an organization dedicated to hunting demons," Shinobu explained. "As we are not officially recognized by the government, few know of us."
Subaru nodded in understanding, then spoke again. "If you specialize in hunting these monsters, do you have a way to kill it? My leg is getting tired from stepping on it." "Yes. Please release it."
Subaru then lifted his foot. "You stupid little brat! Just let me recover and I'll—" The Demon's hateful rant was cut short. A Nichirin Blade pierced its skull.
Purple Wisteria poison was injected instantly. The next second, it dissolved into ashes amidst silent agony. Subaru watched with genuine surprise. It truly turned to ash. What was the scientific principle behind that?
Shinobu Kocho was also deeply curious about the youth before her. He had subdued a demon without relying on a Nichirin Blade. He was truly a natural talent at demon slaying. Oh, she thought. Why not invite him to join the Corps?
Before Shinobu could speak, Subaru's voice reached her. "Your sword is really powerful. I couldn't kill it no matter what, but you finished it so easily." Shinobu held her blade horizontally before Subaru.
"This is a Nichirin Blade, specially forged to kill demons," she explained. "If you behead a demon with this sword, they will perish immediately." Subaru observed the unique weapon.
Shinobu's blade was a slender, needle-like sword. It was overall thin and graceful. The blade color was a pale, elegant hue that complemented her own gentle demeanor.
"This sword doesn't look suited for beheading," Subaru remarked, pretending to be puzzled.
Shinobu swiftly flicked her wrist, making the blade dance. "My physical strength is too limited to sever a demon's neck," she admitted. "So I rely on poison."Subaru nodded, understanding.
"By the way," Shinobu began, looking directly into his eyes with solemn intent. "With your strength, I hope you will consider joining our Demon Slayer Corps."
Although Subaru was already prepared to join, he couldn't agree too easily. "What are the benefits of joining your Corps?" he asked.
"Benefits?" Shinobu hadn't really considered that question.She thought about it seriously for a moment. "Does a substantial salary count?" she ventured tentatively.
Subaru nodded. He was only asking casually and didn't expect major concessions. An unexpected salary was a nice bonus.
"Alright then," Subaru said. "I'll reluctantly join your Demon Slayer Corps. But I must be clear—I have no place to live. You must provide room and board."
A slight smile touched Shinobu's lips."Don't worry. You will never go hungry if you join the Demon Slayer Corps." At that moment, a small, hesitant voice came from the side. "Um, Miss... could we join the Demon Slayer Corps too?"
The little boy, who had been silently watching the conversation, finally spoke up. Their village was destroyed. They had nowhere to go. Why not join the Corps? Once they learned its skills, they would slay every demon to avenge their family and friends.
Shinobu Kocho looked at the two very young children. She recognized them as survivors of a demon attack. Her heart sank. Damn these demons, she thought. She softened her voice.
"Alright. I will have someone take you to a trainer," she said gently. "If you pass the trainer's instruction and then survive the Final Selection, you may join the Demon Slayer Corps."
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